Rynn Berry, Previously Unidentified NYC Runner, Dies At 68

Rynn Berry was found in a New York City park after collapsing on New Year’s Eve.

Rynn Berry, the runner who was found unconscious in a New York City park on New Year’s Eve, died on Thursday. He was 68.

Berry’s identity was not known when he was discovered in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park, which resulted in a social media campaign to try to find out who he was. Eventually, Berry’s half-brother Charles identified him after seeing Berry’s photo in the media.

Berry, a well-known author who wrote about vegetarian eating, died around midday at New York Methodist Hospital surrounded by family and friends.

“I saw him [Wednesday] and he was unconscious and in a coma,” said Berry’s friend Martin Rowe in a New York Daily News story. “It was very sad. He was breathing steadily and his heart was beating. He looked at peace.”

Rowe said Berry ran the 1979 New York City Marathon and later wrote “The Vegan Guide To New York City.”

Berry was running on Dec. 31 — without identification — when he collapsed after going into cardiac arrest around 1 p.m.